Kiwi Ears Altruva test: powerful sounding over-ears for a small budget

With the Altruva, Kiwi Ears is taking the step from being a successful in-ear monitoring manufacturer to full-fledged over-ear headphones. The model is clearly aimed at price-conscious audiophiles who are looking for open headphones with a balanced, slightly fun tuning. Despite its comparatively low price, the Altruva wants to play in a higher league in terms of both sound and feel. But does it succeed? We’ll tell you in the Kiwi Ears Altruva test.

Technical data

Scope of delivery

• Kiwi Ears Altruva headphones
• Detachable 3.5 mm cable (single-ended)
• 6.35 mm adapter
• Two pairs of ear pads (leatherette & velour)
• Instruction manual

Kiwi Ears Altruva test: design and workmanship

Visually, the Altruva is much more impressive than its price would suggest. Therefore, at least in terms of design and build quality, you can definitely get the impression that we are in a price range above 100 euros. Depending on the variant, it comes with a silver or wood-like finish, which gives it an elegant appearance.

For our test, we were provided with the model with a silver finish on the outside of the ear cups. The design of the headphones seems very well thought out. The manufacturer relies on a combination of robust metal forks and a stable suspension. The outside of the ear cups is not only impressive due to the metal look.

The headphones also score points here with a stylish open grille design. The manufacturer has placed its brand logo behind the black grille. But Kiwi Ears still manages the balancing act between elegant design and a discreet, unobtrusive appearance – understatement is the order of the day here.

The materials feel pleasantly high-quality. The overall weight of the headphones remains pleasantly low, which is why the head does not become heavy even after several hours of wear. A good compromise has been found here between robustness and wearing comfort.

Kiwi Ears Altruva test: Wearing comfort

As open-back headphones, the Kiwi Ears Altruva are pleasingly lightweight. Accordingly, they are also suitable for long listening sessions. But it’s not just the low weight that benefits comfort. Thanks to the well-designed double headband system with a flexible inner band, it sits comfortably and securely on the head. The manufacturer has found the sweet spot when it comes to contact pressure. It is neither too loose nor too tight.

The ear pads also do a good job. Imitation leather pads are fitted to the headphones ex works. However, these can get a little warm after prolonged wear. If you have problems with this, you can simply install the velour pads on the headphones as an alternative. These are not only more breathable than the artificial leather alternative. In my opinion, they are also more comfortable to wear. But that’s a matter of taste.

Finally, changing the pad also changes the sound of the headphones a little. The bass pressure is reduced and the sound is less open. On a positive note, the pad change is child’s play. You can switch between artificial leather and velour in just a few seconds. The practical twist mechanism on the ear cups makes it easy to change.

Kiwi Ears Altruva test: Technology

Inside, a 50 mm dynamic driver has been specially developed for the Kiwi Ears Altruva. According to the manufacturer, a PU and PEK composite membrane with neodymium magnets is used. This should ensure a fast response and clean reproduction.

Key technical data:

• Open construction
• Impedance: approx. 32 Ohm
• Good efficiency, but benefits from headphone amplifiers
• Replaceable cable with dual 3.5 mm connection on the ear cups

Kiwi Ears Altruva test: sound character & sound quality

In terms of sound, the Kiwi Ears Altruva scores with a very natural and musical sound. We have broken down our sound impressions for you:

Bass

The bass is powerful and deep, especially when you use the Altruva with the artificial leather pads. It remains controlled and surprisingly clean for open-back headphones in this price range. I found the qualities in the sub-bass range surprising. Here, the Kiwi Ears Altruva sometimes puts on a lot of pressure without ever drifting into booming or booming. If you prefer more precision in the bass and can live with a little less pressure, you should use the Altruva with the velour pads.

Mids

The mids are slightly warm and pleasantly full. Voices have body and naturalness without being overly forward. Male vocals benefit from the slight warmth in the lower mid-range, while female vocals remain clear and clean. There are no annoying peaks or dips, which is particularly noticeable during longer listening sessions.

Treble

The treble is well resolved, airy and lively without being sharp or fatiguing. The Altruva offers a nice balance between richness of detail and ease of listening. Even at higher volumes, the treble range remains controlled – a big plus that is rarely found in this price range.

Stage & Imaging

As open headphones, the Altruva scores particularly well with its spatial imaging. It offers a wide stage with a good separation between right and left. This makes it surprisingly easy to locate instruments. Nevertheless, the spatial representation always appears natural and not overly artificial. It also does a decent job with the treble distribution. However, there is sometimes a lack of depth here.

Conclusion

With the Altruva, Kiwi Ears has made a surprisingly strong debut in the over-ear headphone segment. For comparatively inexpensive, open headphones, they offer an overall package that is convincing in terms of sound, workmanship and wearing comfort. The elegant, unobtrusive design, the high-quality choice of materials and the low weight ensure a high level of long-term comfort, even during longer listening sessions. In terms of sound, the Altruva is pleasantly balanced with a slightly fun note. The bass is surprisingly powerful and clean for open headphones, the mids are warm and natural, while the highs remain airy and well controlled.

The wide sound stage and precise imaging are particularly positive, even if the low end still lacks some fine-tuning. The uncomplicated pad change also makes it easy to adjust the sound and comfort to personal preferences. All in all, the Kiwi Ears Altruva is a clear recommendation for price-conscious audiophiles and newcomers to the world of open over-ears. It offers a lot of sound for the money, a high level of wearing comfort and a quality of workmanship that cannot be taken for granted in this price range.